Here is why Jaydev Unadkat Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Match 10 Against DC

Sunrisers Hyderabad made a tactical change for their IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals, leaving out experienced left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat. The decision was influenced by the pitch conditions in Visakhapatnam, which did not favor swing bowlers, as well as the team’s preferred combination for the game. Instead of Unadkat, SRH opted for Zeeshan Ansari, a leg-spinner, to strengthen their spin attack.

Pitch Conditions and Team Combination Influence Selection

The pitch at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium has traditionally assisted pacers with extra bounce rather than swing bowlers. Unadkat, known for his ability to move the ball in the air and off the surface, might not have been as effective on this track. SRH instead brought in Zeeshan Ansari to provide variety in their bowling attack, ensuring a balanced mix of pace and spin.

At the toss, SRH captain Pat Cummins explained the team’s strategy, saying, “We’ll have a bat first. Afternoon game, tends to be hot. Looks like a good wicket, so we want to put a big score on the board. That was the trend last year – we put on some big scores, so playing to our strengths.”

His statement indicated that SRH were looking to post a high total, which meant their bowling attack needed variety to defend a large score. With Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, and Harshal Patel leading the pace attack, the inclusion of a leg-spinner like Zeeshan Ansari made sense over a swing bowler like Unadkat, especially on a surface that tends to grip for spinners.

Axar Patel’s Take on the Pitch and the Opposition

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel also acknowledged the nature of the pitch at the toss, stating, “We would have batted as well since it’s an afternoon game. In the last game, the ball was doing more in the second innings, so we’ll look to restrict them to a low total.”

Axar’s comments suggested that the pitch could slow down later, making spinners more effective in the second innings. This further justified SRH’s decision to play Zeeshan Ansari instead of Unadkat, as Ansari’s leg-spin would be a key weapon against DC’s middle order in the latter half of the match.

Unadkat Likely to Return in Swing-Friendly Conditions

Jaydev Unadkat’s absence from the playing XI is not a reflection of his form but rather a tactical decision based on conditions. SRH have relied on him in previous matches, particularly in venues where swing and seam movement are more prominent. However, with a hard surface in Visakhapatnam that offers little lateral movement, the team opted for a different approach.

Unadkat is expected to return to the side in matches where the pitch conditions favor his bowling style. His ability to control the game in the powerplay and middle overs remains a crucial asset for SRH, and he will likely be back when the team plays on surfaces that assist his strengths.

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